J.R. asks from Laguna Niguel, CA on July 04, 2009
Hives During pregnancy...what Can I Take?
Hi All...my 4th of July has been slightly miserable as I broke out in hives yesterday. I am 19 weeks pregnant and up until now was feeling great. Mainly the rash is on my legs, back, head (gross) and that's it so far. I don't know of anything I am allergic to, but I have heard stress can cause hives also. First of all, has anyone ever experienced a random case of hives during pregnancy and 2nd, what did you do to treat it? I haven't been able to reach my doctor (holiday weekend) and don't know how long I can take this. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
More Answers
S.T. answers from Los Angeles on July 05, 2009
You do not want to take a warm bath, because that spreads the histamines throughout your system and the hives can get worse. My daughter almost died from anaphylactic shock on the 4th of July many years ago, and it started with hives that spread quickly all over her body. We found her in the bathroom where she had gone to take a warm bath thinking that would stop the itching. The doctors said that was the worst possible thing. It doesn't sound as if your is that severe, since hers got out of hand over a period of 6 or 7 hours. Luckily we got to the emrgency room on time. Benedryl can help, but I don't know if it can be taken during pregnancy.
E.S. answers from Los Angeles on July 11, 2009
Hopefully this has cleared up by now, but just wanted to share that I found an awesome natural product (I get a lot of unexplained itchy rashes). It's temporary, like any topical ointment, but it does help with the itch!
J.W. answers from Los Angeles on July 05, 2009
J.,
Check out www.naet.com. Dr. Devi Nambudripad. You could have it caused by stress or by some sort of resistence. I remember taking Benadryl before, so I did a little research to make sure. http://www.drugs.com/benadryl.html. Take a look, it could be helpful.
Also, oatmeal bath might help sooth it. I feel for you.
This sounds horrible. I hope you get better!
C.D. answers from Los Angeles on July 05, 2009
I'm not sure what you can do for relief in the short-term, but I would suggest you go see your OB very soon.
I had something called gestational colestasis - occurs in around 1% of pregnancies, so not all that rare - where your bile duct stops draining and bile salts start to accumulate in your system.
The main symptom is itching, especially at night. It's nothing to be alarmed about, but it does need to be managed. Of course, you may have something else entirely, but it's a good idea to find out.
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